How to Get Rid of Acne
March 11, 2009 | In: Beauty and Grooming
Get Rid of Acne
Not all people are the same when it comes to skin condition. Some are very fortunate to be born with a smooth, silky skin while the others are not that lucky for possessing oily and acne-prone skin. But then again, it’s not right to be ashamed of this condition because it can only lead to an inferiority complex. Rather, what’s important is to accept your fate and then find ways to solve the problem.
Having a skin prone to acne breakouts may be hard to deal with. Acne vulgaris or simply acne is one of the most common skin problems many women face today. It develops due to excess oil or sebum that clogs the pores. However, this can actually be prevented in many different ways even without the use of medications.
- Stay clean. Proper hygiene is very important for every individual whether young or old. This is also true for our face. Washing the face at least twice a day is the right step. It takes away the dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt that build up on the skin’s surface. But take note, avoid excessive washing and scrubbing as they can cause the skin to dry and worsen acne on your face. Make sure to use only mild soap and water in cleaning.
- Aside from the face, make it a habit to wash your hair as often as you can. The hair has oils, too, so they need to be washed frequently. More so for women with long hair as sometimes the touching of the hair to the face can cause an allergic reaction.
- Hands off the face. While it may tempting sometimes to touch parts of your face such as when you’re thinking, watching TV or reading a book, remind yourself not to as much as possible. The hands are prone to dirt, oil and bacteria which can only add more trouble to your acne. If you really want to examine your face, be sure to wash your hands first.
- Change the pillow case. While sleeping at night, the pillows you use absorb the oils from your face. For this reason, frequent changing of pillow cases is a healthy habit to prevent the growth of acne on your face.
- Check for irritants. The pollution in our environment can also have an impact on the skin. Airborne pollutants from the vehicles and restaurants should be avoided. Also, avoid spraying perfumes near your face as they can worsen the acne. Go for loose and non-irritating clothes as well.
- Avoid stress. Stress is never healthy so stay away from it if possible. This can be caused by too much work or emotional problems that if ignored, can lead to serious problems.
- Over the counter products. For simple breakouts, topical solutions and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide have been proven to be effective. Mild astringents can also help in eliminating excess oil but these should be used moderately.
- Consult a dermatologist. If you feel your acne is worsening, then it’s time to check with your dermatologist. Never attempt to use different treatments and prescription drugs without first consulting your doctor.
The role of the dermatologist is to find out about your history, lifestyle, eating habits and prescribe the appropriate solutions (topical or antibiotics) to eliminate acne on your face. They can prescribe oral antibiotics, birth control pills, corticosteroid injection and isotretinoin. Birth control pills work best for women whose breakouts are caused by hormonal changes. Isotretinoin is prescribed for those with severe acne cases while the corticosteroid functions as an anti-inflammatory agent especially for large acne breakouts that are accompanied with pain.
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